role of consular service of latvia in combating trafficking in human beings (thb) ministry of...
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Role of Consular Service of Latvia in Combating Trafficking in Human
Beings (THB)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of LatviaConsular DepartmentConsular Assistance Division
MFA competence within the National Strategy for the Prevention of Trafficking in Human Beings
Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia provide consular assistance and inform about the possibilities to receive professional help to THB victims
MFA carries out regular trainings for Latvian consular officials and participates in trainings and seminars, organised by other institutions
MFA organises and also participates in informative campaigns on various aspects of travelling and living abroad – about safe travel, actions required in emergency situations as well as educating people about THB issues
2 Consular Department, MFA of Latvia20.04.23
Role of Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia in providing assistance to victims in THB (1)
Acknowledge the potential THB victims Consult on the possibilities to receive assistance in:
– returning home– social rehabilitation– medical treatment
Contact with relevant authorities– police THB units– NGOs in Latvia and the country of residence
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Provide emotional help to the personHelp to contact relatives in Latvia
If necessary:Assist in finding accommodationProvide food and drinksEscort to the airport/port/station
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Role of Diplomatic and consular missions of Latvia in providing assistance to victims in THB (2)
Statistical data on THB cases filed in Latvian diplomatic missions abroad
2011 2012 2013 2014
Total 101 111 69 41Ireland 89 75 47 22Great Britain 2 19 14 10Germany 5 5 2 2Cyprus - 3 5 -Greece - 1 - -The Netherlands 3 2 - 3USA - 2 - -Russian - 2 - -Belgium - 1 - -Austria - - 1 -Italy 1 1 - -Sweden 1 - - -Norway - - - 1France - - - 2Japan - - - 15
Consular Department, MFA of Latvia20.04.23
Statistical data on marriages in Ireland (possible sham marriages)
Statistical period 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Total 357* 245 124 108 203 225
Out of total number of marriages with third country nationals :
Pakistan 257 143 56 28 65 76
India 80 37 15 5 18 22
Bangladesh 20 20 16 9 7 -
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Situation in Ireland with sham marriages
Decrease in the numbers of the marriages of Latvian nationals with a risk of THB
Irish Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014 in force since 4 December 2014
Three other legislation acts preventing from sham marriages still to be adopted
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MFA cooperation with other institutions on THB issues
Collects and analyses the data on the THB cases in the Latvian diplomatic and consular missions
Informs the relevant institutions (THB working group, NGOs, law enforcement unit)
Cooperates with police THB unit and NGOs
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Consular Trainings
MFA organises regular consular trainings for consular officials:
- spring trainings in Riga
- autumn regional trainings (in two
capitals in and outside Schengen MS)
Consular officials participate in trainings organised on THB issues
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Access for consular assistance
80005905 - a toll free information line for travellers
371 26337711 – 24/7 emergency help line
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Information campaigns
Mobile application Travel Safe!
Participation in the annual International Travel Trade Fair Balttour
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Thank you for your attention
Consular Assistance Division
MFA Consular Department
57 Elizabetes Street, Riga
Phone. +371 6 7016364
www.am.gov.lv12 20.04.23